The Connection Between Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and Kidney Disease, continued

High blood pressure and kidney disease

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services more than 50 million Americans suffer from high blood pressure. That's 1 out of 4 people.

High blood pressure damages blood vessels throughout the body. It usually damages the small vessels, such as those in the eyes and the kidneys, first. Ironically, high blood pressure can lead to chronic kidney disease and kidney disease can lead to high blood pressure since the kidneys help regulate blood pressure and fluids in the body. Too much fluid causes higher blood pressure, which leads to a continuing cycle of more blood vessel damage.

The American Heart Association recommends that simply knowing your blood pressure will help maintain it. A desirable blood pressure is 120/80 or lower, while a high blood pressure reading is 140/90 or higher. Helpful hints to lowering blood pressure are: lose excess weight, avoid salty food, include lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet, and follow your doctor's instructions.

Being at risk for diabetes and high blood pressure

Kidney disease usually has no symptoms, so laboratory tests may be necessary for detection. People have a greater risk for diabetes and/or high blood pressure if they experience any of the following:

A family history of diabetes and/or high blood pressure

Excess body weight, especially around the waist

Age (older than 45 years)

Certain ethnic groups including African American, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans are at greater risk for high blood pressure and diabetes.

Unhealthy lifestyle, including:

A salty diet

Too much alcohol consumption

An unhealthy diet

Lack of physical exercise

Smoking

Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease happens over time and causes permanent kidney damage. Many times, chronic kidney disease doesn't have any noticeable symptoms until right before kidneys fail. The following symptoms can be related to chronic kidney disease. Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should see a doctor immediately to be screened for kidney disease:

Swelling of body parts (including ankles, feet or face)

Burning or uncomfortable sensation during urination

Foamy, bloody or coffee-colored urine

Easy bruising or bleeding

Listlessness or chronic fatigue

Reprinted with permission by DaVita Inc. Learn more about kidney disease and diabetes at DaVita.com.

by
Brenda Bell
As I mentioned in an earlier post, one of the benefits that made it cost-effective for me to go with the real healthcare (HSA) plan rather than the phony (HRA) plan is that my company is now covering "preventative" medicines at $0 copay. The formulary for these, as stated by CVS/Caremark (my pharmacy benefits provider), covers all test strips, lancets, and control solutions. I dutifully get my doctor to write up prescriptions for all of my testing needs, submit...